U.S. patent application number 11/443755 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for yard sign illuminating device and system.
Invention is credited to Donald F. Evans, Jeffrey Hatley, Larson Isely, Michael Roth, Mark D. Schmidt.
Application Number | 20070159817 11/443755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38232552 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070159817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans; Donald F. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2007 |
Yard sign illuminating device and system
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a device for illuminating a
yard sign that uses an efficient beam of light and is adapted to
cycle on and off. The illuminating device includes a main body
portion, a switch, a control circuit, a power source, at least one
arm adjustably attached to the main body portion, and a light head
disposed proximate an end of the at least one arm, the light head
comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) assembly. The
control circuit is configured to automatically cycle the LED
assembly on and off when activated by the switch.
Inventors: |
Evans; Donald F.;
(Pinehurst, NC) ; Schmidt; Mark D.; (Durham,
NC) ; Isely; Larson; (Raleigh, NC) ; Hatley;
Jeffrey; (Mebane, NC) ; Roth; Michael;
(Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
38232552 |
Appl. No.: |
11/443755 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60757654 |
Jan 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/191 ;
362/276; 40/541 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/191 ;
362/276; 040/541 |
International
Class: |
F21L 4/00 20060101
F21L004/00; F21V 23/04 20060101 F21V023/04; G09F 13/00 20060101
G09F013/00 |
Claims
1. An illuminating device adapted for use in illuminating a yard
sign that is structured to be removably inserted into the ground,
the illuminating device comprising: a main body portion structured
for attachment to the yard sign; a power source; at least one arm
extending from the main body portion; and a light head disposed
proximate an end of the at least one arm, the light head comprising
at least one light emitting diode (LED) that is structured for
illuminating the yard sign.
2. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the yard sign
comprises a frame and a sign portion, and wherein the main body
portion comprises at least one fastener that is structured for
coupling the main body portion to the frame of the yard sign.
3. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the yard sign
comprises a frame and a sign portion, and wherein the main body
portion comprises at least one fastener that is structured for
coupling the main body portion to the sign portion of the yard
sign.
4. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the power source
comprises one or more batteries, and wherein the illuminating
device defines a pre-battery weight between 200 and 400 grams.
5. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED
is selected from a group comprising a high brightness white LED, a
blue LED, a red LED, an orange LED, an amber LED, a yellow LED, a
green LED, a bi-color LED, and a tri-color LED.
6. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the power source is
selected from a group comprising a direct current power source and
an alternating current power source.
7. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the light head
defines a diameter between 0.25 and 1.75 inches to reduce the
likelihood that the light head will obscure the yard sign from
view.
8. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the main body
portion defines a length that is less than approximately 15
inches.
9. The illuminating device of claim 1, further comprising a control
circuit disposed in electrical communication with the power source
and the at least one LED, wherein the control circuit is configured
to engage the at least one LED to illuminate for a first period and
remain dark for a second period.
10. The illuminating device of claim 9, wherein the control circuit
is adapted to allow a user to select a duration for the first
period and a duration for the second period.
11. The illuminating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
arm may be extended from a collapsed position to an operating
position.
12. An illuminating device for use in illuminating a yard sign, the
illuminating device comprising: a main body portion structured to
attach to the yard sign; at least one light emitting diode (LED)
that is structured for illuminating the yard sign; a power source;
a photosensor adapted to sense an ambient light level; and a
control circuit disposed in electrical communication with the power
source, the photosensor, and the at least one LED, wherein the
control circuit is structured to engage the at least one LED to
illuminate in response to the photosensor sensing the ambient light
level.
13. The illuminating device of claim 12, wherein the power source
comprises one or more batteries, and wherein the illuminating
device defines a pre-battery weight between 200 and 400 grams.
14. The illuminating device of claim 12, wherein the at least one
LED is selected from a group comprising a high brightness white
LED, a blue LED, a red LED, an orange LED, an amber LED, a yellow
LED, a green LED, a bi-color LED, and a tri-color LED.
15. The illuminating device of claim 12, wherein the power source
is a direct current power source.
16. The illuminating device of claim 15, wherein the direct current
power source is a solar array.
17. The illuminating device of claim 12, wherein the main body
portion defines a length that is less than approximately 15
inches.
18. The illuminating device of claim 12, further comprising a first
arm adapted to support a first LED and a second arm adapted to
support a second LED, wherein the first and second arms may be
extended from a compact position to an operating position.
19. The illuminating device of claim 18, wherein the yard sign
defines opposed first and second surfaces, and wherein the first
and second LEDs are positioned to illuminate the first and second
surfaces of the yard sign, respectively, when the first and second
arms are extended into the operating position.
20. A display system comprising: a yard sign comprising a sign
portion and a frame portion, wherein at least part of the frame
portion is structured for removable insertion into a ground
surface; an illuminating device, comprising: a main body portion
structured for removable attachment to the yard sign, a control
circuit enclosed within the main body portion, a power source
disposed in electrical communication with the control circuit, and
a light head comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED)
that is coupled to the main body portion and disposed in electrical
communication with the control circuit, wherein the control circuit
is configured to engage the at least one LED to illuminate at least
a part of the sign portion of the yard sign for a first period and
remain dark for a second period.
21. The display system of claim 20, wherein the frame portion of
the yard sign defines a stake for insertion into the ground surface
and wherein the illuminating device defines an operational weight
between 800 and 1000 grams to enhance the likelihood that the yard
sign will remain in a stable upright position when the stake is
inserted into the ground surface.
22. The display system of claim 20, wherein the at least one LED is
selected from a group comprising a high brightness white LED, a
blue LED, a red LED, an orange LED, an amber LED, a yellow LED, a
green LED, a bi-color LED, and a tri-color LED.
23. The display system of claim 20, wherein the power source is a
direct current power source.
24. The display system of claim 20, wherein the direct current
power source is a solar array.
25. The display system of claim 20, wherein the main body portion
defines a length that is less than approximately 15 inches.
26. The display system of claim 20, further comprising a first arm
adapted to support a first LED and a second arm adapted to support
a second LED, wherein the first and second arms may be extended
from a compact position to an operating position.
27. The display system of claim 26, wherein the sign portion of the
yard sign defines opposed first and second surfaces, and wherein
the first and second LEDs are positioned to illuminate the first
and second surfaces of the sign portion of the yard sign,
respectively, when the first and second arms are extended into the
operating position.
28. The display system of claim 20, wherein the control circuit is
adapted to allow a user to select a duration for the first period
and a duration for the second period.
29. The display system of claim 20, wherein the control circuit is
adapted to cycle between the first period and the second period
substantially continuously until the power source becomes
substantially exhausted.
30. The display system of claim 20, wherein the light head defines
a diameter between 0.25 and 1.75 inches to reduce the likelihood
that the light head will obscure the sign portion of the yard sign
from view.
31. An illuminating device for use in illuminating a yard sign, the
illuminating device comprising: a main body portion structured for
removable attachment to the yard sign; at least one light emitting
diode (LED) that is structured for illuminating at least a part of
the yard sign; a power source; and a control circuit disposed in
electrical communication with the power source and the at least one
LED, wherein the control circuit is configured to engage the at
least one LED to illuminate the at least a part of the yard sign
for a first period and remain dark for a second period.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/757,654, filed Jan. 10, 2006, which is entitled
"Automatic Yard Sign Illuminating Device" and is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to illumination devices
generally, and more particularly, to a device that is capable of
illuminating a yard sign and that is adapted to automatically turn
on and off at selected time intervals.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Real estate brokers, property owners selling their own
property, campaigning public officials, and others commonly make
use of yard signs. Typically these signs include information
associated with the sale of the property (e.g., realtor name, phone
number, asking price, etc.) or information associated with a public
announcement or election (e.g., candidate name, bond initiative
slogan, etc.). Often these signs are placed in residential yards or
other high traffic areas such as those disposed along roads or
sidewalks. Yard signs of the type described above are low-cost,
generally effective devices for conveying information to the
public. However, yard signs do possess a few drawbacks. For
example, yard signs are relatively small in size and are generally
not visible at night.
[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide a device and
system for illuminating a yard sign. The device should be
efficient, compact such that its does not significantly obscure the
information on the sign, weather resistant, and low cost. The
device should also be capable of turning on and off automatically
at selected time intervals.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention addresses the above needs and achieves
other advantages by providing a device for illuminating a yard sign
that is structured to be removably inserted into the ground. The
illuminating device of the present invention uses an efficient beam
of light and, in various embodiments, is adapted to cycle on and
off. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an
illuminating device that comprises a main body portion configured
to attach to the yard sign, a control circuit, a power source, at
least one arm attached to the main body portion, and a light head
disposed proximate an end of the at least one arm, the light head
comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) assembly.
[0008] Conventional yard signs typically comprise a sign portion
and a frame portion that is adapted to support the sign portion. In
one embodiment, the main body portion of the illuminating device
may be structured to attach to the frame of the yard sign. In
another embodiment, the main body portion may be structured to
attach to the sign portion of the yard sign. In yet another
embodiment, the at least one arm and the light head may be
structured such that they do not significantly obscure sign
information disposed on the yard sign. In yet another embodiment,
the main body portion may attach to the yard sign using snap
members, magnets, hook and loop straps, cable ties, fasteners,
screws, or other attaching elements.
[0009] In other embodiments, the LED assembly may comprise at least
one of a high brightness white LED, a blue LED, a red LED, an
orange LED, an amber LED, a yellow LED, a green LED, a bi-color
LED, a tri-color LED, or any combination thereof. In still other
embodiments, the power source may comprise a direct current power
source and/or an alternating current power source. Direct current
power sources may include, but are not limited to, a battery power
source and a solar cell power source. In other embodiments, the
illuminating device may further comprise a switch that is adapted
to signal the control circuit for activation and deactivation of
the LED assembly.
[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an
illuminating device that comprises a main body portion configured
to attach to the sign portion, a control circuit, a power source,
at least one arm attached to the main body portion, a photosensor
adapted to sense an ambient light level, and a light head disposed
proximate an end of the at least one arm. The light head may be
adapted to comprise at least one light emitting diode (LED)
assembly. Additionally, the control circuit may be structured to
automatically cycle the LED assembly on and off in response to a
sensed level of ambient light from the photosensor.
[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an
illuminating device that comprises a main body portion configured
to attach to the yard sign, a switch, a control circuit, a power
source, at least one arm attached to the main body portion, and a
light head disposed proximate an end of the at least one arm, the
light head comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED)
assembly. The control circuit may be configured to automatically
cycle the LED assembly on and off when activated by the switch. In
another embodiment, the illuminating device may further include a
removable cap attached to a first end of the main body portion, and
a rotatable user interface portion located at a second end of the
main body portion. In one embodiment, the rotatable user interface
portion may be generally integral to the main body portion and the
rotatable user interface portion may engage the switch thereby
activating the control circuit to automatically cycle the LED
assembly on and off.
[0012] In another embodiment, the at least one arm may include a
first end that is generally fixed adjacent the main body portion
and a second end that is adapted to support a light head and is
generally movable away from the main body portion. In yet another
embodiment, two positionable arms may be affixed to the main body
portion and configured to illuminate opposing sides of the sign
portion of the yard sign. In yet another embodiment, the at least
one arm may be disposed in at least an operating position and a
retracted position. In the retracted position, the at least one arm
may be aligned along the length of the main body portion. In
another embodiment, the at least one arm may also be configured to
lock into position when in the operating position. In yet another
embodiment, the main body portion may possess a generally
cylindrical shape and the at least one battery and the control
circuit may be at least partially enclosed within the main body
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0013] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illuminating device
attached to a yard sign in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an illuminating device
attached to a yard sign in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an illuminating device
attached to a yard sign in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illuminating device
structured in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of an illuminating device structured
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of an illuminating device structured
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of an illuminating
device structured in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of selected electronic
components used in an illuminating device structured in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an illuminating device
configured in a folded position in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an illuminating device 20
attached to a yard sign 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. The depicted yard sign 10 includes a frame 12
and a sign portion 14 that is supported by the frame 12. Yard signs
of the type depicted in FIG. 1 are generally designed to be
light-weight, low-cost, devices for conveying information to a
viewer. Such signs generally include a portion of the frame that is
inserted into the ground in order to support the yard sign in an
upright position. In the depicted embodiment, the frame includes
legs 12a, 12b that are configured to penetrate the ground when a
downward force is exerted on the frame 12. One or more horizontally
extending foot-pushes (not shown) may be disposed along the length
of the frame legs 12a, 12b to assist a user in driving the legs
12a, 12b into the ground as will be discussed in greater detail
below.
[0025] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an illuminating device
120 attached to a yard sign 110 in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention. Notably, illuminating devices
structured according to various embodiments of the present
invention may be attached to a yard sign in a variety of positions.
For example, in FIG. 1 the illuminating device 20 is attached to
the frame 12 generally adjacent a lower edge of the sign portion 14
of the yard sign 10 as shown. However, in FIG. 1A, the illuminating
device 120 is attached to the frame 112 generally adjacent an upper
edge of the sign portion 114 of the yard sign 110 as shown. A top,
bottom, lateral edge, or other similar illuminating device
attachment position may be specifically desired by a user based
upon the orientation of the information disposed on the sign
portion of the yard sign as will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art in view of this disclosure. In this regard,
various embodiments of the present invention may be adapted to
accommodate each of the above attachment positions.
[0026] As noted above, simple yard signs of the type depicted may
be structured to include horizontally extending foot-pushes that
are disposed along the legs of a yard sign to assist a user in
driving the legs into the ground. FIG. 1A depicts a yard sign 110
supported by a frame 112 having a single leg 112c. The depicted
yard sign 110 also includes a foot-push 112d. In various
applications, the foot-push 112d may be set at a desired
penetration depth d above the tip of the leg 112c as shown. Thus, a
user may simply step on the foot-push 112d to properly seat the leg
112c into the ground the desired penetration depth d.
[0027] Various light-weight illumination device embodiments of the
present invention are particularly suited for attachment to the
simple "staked" yard signs 110 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 1A. For
example, illumination devices structured in accordance with various
embodiments of the present invention may possess a pre-battery
weight approximately between 200 and 400 grams, preferably 300
grams. Other illumination device embodiments may possess an
operational weight (including batteries) approximately between 800
and 1000 grams, preferably 900 grams. As will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art, based on the constituent materials
selected, illumination devices may be structured as set forth
herein without falling directly within the weight ranges set forth
above and, thus, the inventive concepts herein described are not
limited to such weight ranges.
[0028] Illuminating devices structured according to various
embodiments of the present invention may also be adapted for
attachment to relatively stronger, more-durable, yard signs of the
type depicted in FIG. 1B. Notably, the compact, light-weight, and
durable design of the various illumination device embodiments, as
discussed in greater detail below, desirably allows for attachment
of such devices to the pivotally attached sign portion 214 of the
yard sign 210 rather than exclusively requiring attachment to the
relatively more stable frame portion 212 of the sign as shown. Of
course, where desired, frame attachment is certainly embodied by
the inventive concepts herein described.
[0029] As noted above, yard signs of the types depicted in FIGS. 1,
1A, and 1B are generally placed in residential yards or other high
traffic areas along roads or sidewalks to maximize the number of
people who may encounter the sign. The present invention furthers
this effort by providing efficient illumination of such yard signs
such that they may be effective for conveying information during
low ambient light and nighttime conditions. Additionally, as
demonstrated in the drawings, illuminating devices structured in
accordance with various embodiments of the present invention have a
compact size that does not significantly obscure sign information
located on the sign portion, and, as will be discussed below,
provides an efficient source of light by using a light emitting
diode (LED) assembly.
[0030] FIGS. 2-4 depict an illuminating device 20 structured in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Illumination devices that are structured in accordance with various
embodiments of the present invention generally comprise a main body
portion 22 that is structured to attach to a yard sign, and at
least one arm 24 structured to support a light source. The depicted
illuminating device 20 includes a pair of arms 24 attached to the
main body portion 22. The depicted illuminating device 20 also
includes a main body portion 22 that is structured as a cylindrical
tube-like structure constructed, in one embodiment, of a polymer
such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The depicted main
body portion 22 is sized to receive a series of batteries as will
be discussed below.
[0031] Although depicted generally as a cylinder, the main body
portion 22 may be structured in any shape and may be constructed
out of any material that is sufficient to support the at least one
arm 24 and that is capable of protecting the internal components
(e.g., batteries, circuit boards and associated electrical
connections) of the illuminating device 20 from rain, dust, dirt,
and other environmental elements. Illumination devices structured
in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may
also be constructed from materials selected based upon their
ability to withstand outdoor temperatures ranging generally between
approximately -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit) and
approximately 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit). Finally,
materials used to produce illumination devices structured according
to various embodiments of the present invention may be selected to
ensure that the device has a light-weight and durable
construction.
[0032] Illumination devices structured in accordance with various
embodiments of the present invention also include an attachment
portion 36 extending from the main body portion 22 for coupling the
illumination device to a yard sign 10. In the depicted embodiment,
the attachment portion 36 comprises opposed first and second snap
members that are adapted to snap onto opposite sides of the frame
12 or other portion of the yard sign 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A,
and 1B. In alternate embodiments, however, the attachment portion
36 may be comprised of other attachment elements that are capable
of securing the main body portion 22 to the yard sign 10,
including, but not limited to, magnets, hook and loop fabric
straps, cable tie straps, zip-ties, brackets, fasteners, hinges,
other fasteners such as screws, and other similar elements.
[0033] As noted above, the main body portion 22 may be attached to
any portion of the yard sign including, but not limited to, the
sign portion 14 or the frame 12. Also, although the illumination
device embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 1A are attached
proximate the top and bottom portions of the yard sign, other
illumination device embodiments may be attached proximate the
lateral edges of the yard sign or perhaps may be attached through
apertures disposed within the exterior perimeter of the sign
portion of the yard sign.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, the
illuminating device 20 includes a removable cap 32 located at a
first end of the main body portion 22. In the depicted embodiment,
the removable cap 32 defines threads that allow the cap 32 to screw
onto reciprocal threads defined in the main body portion 22. In
other embodiments, however, the removable cap 32 may removably
couple to the main body portion 22 in various other ways,
including, but not limited to a snap-fit arrangement.
[0035] The depicted illuminating device 20 includes a rotatable
user interface portion 31 located at a second end of the main body
portion 22 that is structured to engage a switch 30. In the
depicted embodiment, the user interface portion 31 is a cap
apparatus that may be rotated by a user to close electrical
contacts thereby engaging the switch 30. Although in the depicted
embodiment, the switch 30 is mechanically engaged by the user
interface portion 31, which is generally integral to the main body
portion 22, in various other embodiments, the switch 30 may be
engaged remotely or wirelessly by a command signal.
[0036] In the depicted embodiment, the shape and material of the
rotatable cap 32 and the user interface portion 31 are similar to
the shape and material of the main body portion 22, namely, they
are generally cylindrical and constructed of a polymer such as ABS.
However, in alternate embodiments, the rotatable cap 32 and the
user interface portion 31 may be of any shape and constructed of
any material or materials that, together with the main body
portion, are capable of protecting the internal components of the
illuminating device 20 from elements encountered in an outdoor
environment.
[0037] The depicted illumination device 20 includes two
positionable arms 24 extending from the main body portion 22. The
positionable arms 24 define a first end 23 that is generally fixed
adjacent the main body portion 22 and a second end 25 that is
generally movable away from the main body portion 22 as shown in
FIG. 5. Light heads 26 structured to support LED assemblies 28 are
disposed adjacent the second ends 25 of the positionable arms 24.
In the depicted embodiment, the positionable arms 24 are
constructed generally of steel that is powder coated to improve
corrosion resistance. In alternate embodiments, the positionable
arms 24 may be constructed of a flexible conduit housing a heavy
gauge wire that may be positioned by a user to hold a desired
shape. In still other embodiments, the positionable arms 24 may be
comprised of a variety of materials including metals, polymers,
composites, rubbers, wood, and combinations thereof.
[0038] The depicted arms 24 are structured in a compact arrangement
such that the LED assemblies 28 are positionable to illuminate a
yard sign and yet do not significantly obscure a viewer's ability
to read the sign. This is advantageously accomplished through the
use of a small and efficient LED light source. In the depicted
embodiment, each LED assembly 28 comprises a pair of high
brightness white LEDs. However, LED assemblies 28 structured in
accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may
comprise any other type of LEDs including, but not limited to, blue
LEDs, red LEDs, orange LEDs, amber LEDs, yellow LEDs, green LEDs,
and/or bi- or tri-color LEDs. LED assemblies 28 structured in
accordance with various embodiments of the present invention need
not be limited to having two LEDs. Rather, such LED assemblies 28
may have a single LED or an array of LEDs comprising greater than
two LEDs.
[0039] In one embodiment, the light heads 26 are sized large enough
to support the LED assembly while remaining small enough to prevent
undue obstruction of the sign. For example, in one embodiment, a
light head supporting two LEDs may define a light head diameter
between 0.75 and 1.25 inches, preferably approximately 1 inch. In
another embodiment, a light head supporting one LED may define a
light head diameter between 0.25 and 0.75 inches, preferably
approximately 0.5 inches. In still another embodiment, a light head
supporting three LEDs may define a light head diameter between 1.25
and 1.75 inches, preferably 1.5 inches. Larger light diameters may
be used to correspond with light heads having a greater number of
LEDs. Additionally, as LED technology is improved and LEDs get
smaller and more efficient, the diameter of the light heads set
forth above may be reduced accordingly as will be apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0040] The relatively compact design principles noted above are not
necessary limited to the design of the light heads. Illumination
devices structured in accordance with various embodiments of the
present invention may define a length L as shown in FIG. 3. In
various embodiments, the length L of the illumination device is
less than 15 inches, preferably less than 13 inches, and more
preferably approximately 12 inches. Various illumination device
embodiments may also define a height H between the bottom of the
device and the top of the light head(s) as shown in FIG. 4. For
example, the height H of the illumination device may range between
1.5 and 6 inches, preferably between 2 and 4 inches, more
preferably approximately 2.6 inches.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a partially exploded view of an illuminating
device 20 structured in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. As noted above, in the depicted embodiment, the
cap 32 is rotatably removable from the main body portion 22. The
main body portion 22 is configured to accommodate a power source 33
and a circuit board 38 that is structured in electrical
communication with the power source 33 and the LED assemblies
28.
[0042] In the depicted embodiment, the power source 33 is a direct
current power source provided in the form of one or more batteries
34. The batteries 34 of the depicted embodiment include four
standard D cell alkaline batteries that are provided to power the
depicted illumination device for approximately thirty days of
operation (four hours per day). More or fewer batteries and
batteries of differing sizes may be used depending upon size and
power specifications of a given application as will be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, multiple other power
sources may be used including direct current, alternating current,
or combinations of the two, and such differing power sources may
provide any duration of operation that is suitable for a particular
application. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art, direct current power sources may include, but are not limited
to, battery power sources and solar cell power sources such as
photovoltaic power sources. Alternating current power sources may
include a power cord that is electrically coupled to a home power
outlet.
[0043] The depicted illumination device is structured such that the
batteries 34 may be inserted into the main body portion 22 of the
illuminating device 20 by removing the removable cap 32 and
inserting the batteries serially as shown. Illumination devices
structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention are preferably designed such that insertion of the
batteries 34, even in an incorrect orientation, will not damage the
circuit board 38. In the depicted embodiment, the switch 30, the
circuit board 38, and the power source 33 electrically communicate
through wired connections, however in various other embodiments the
electrical communication may be accomplished in other ways, such
as, for example, through direct or wireless communications.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of various electronic
components used to drive an illuminating device structured in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
depicted illumination device 20 includes a circuit board 38 that is
adapted to support and electrically connect the power source 33,
the switch 30, and the one or more LED assemblies 28. In the
depicted embodiment, the circuit board 38 includes a control
circuit 39 that is adapted to engage the LED assemblies 28 at timed
intervals in response to activation or closure of the switch 30. As
noted above, the depicted switch 30 is closed when a user rotates
the user interface portion 31 from an "OFF" position to an "ON"
position. Indicia may be provided on the main body portion and/or
user interface portion for indicating to a user the relative
location of the ON and OFF positions. In the depicted embodiment,
the user interface portion 31 engages the switch 30 to close at an
ON position that is positioned approximately 30 degrees from the
OFF position. In another embodiment, the user interface portion 31
may be structured to announce that the ON position has been reached
through an audible click.
[0045] In one embodiment, the control circuit 39 includes logic for
engaging the LED assemblies 28 on a timed interval or illumination
cycle. In various embodiments, the control circuit 39 may include a
processor, CPU, chip, or other similar logic employing element (not
shown). In one embodiment, the illumination cycle comprises four
hours of illumination and twenty hours of non-illumination. Other
illumination and non-illumination intervals may be used. The
illumination cycle may repeat continuously as long as sufficient
power is supplied by the power source 33 and unless deactivated by
a user.
[0046] The control circuit 37 may be activated in a variety of ways
other than the depicted user engaged switch 30. For example, in
various embodiments, the control circuit may be engaged or
disengaged (i.e., deactivated) using rocker switches, push button
switches, remote wireless switches, and the like. In still other
embodiments, engagement of the LED assemblies may be tied to the
presence or absence of ambient light. For example, in one
embodiment, an illumination device may include a photo sensor (not
shown) that is adapted to provide a lit/unlit status signal in
response to a sensed level of ambient light. If ambient light below
a selected level is sensed, an unlit status signal may be sent to
the control circuit thereby engaging the LED assemblies to operate.
If the sensed ambient light is above the selected level, then a lit
status signal may be sent to the control circuit, which thereby
controls the LED assemblies to remain off.
[0047] FIG. 6A provides a detailed circuit diagram of an electrical
circuit board used in an illumination device structured in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Table 1
corresponds to FIG. 6A and provides a list of various electrical
components that may be used to manufacture an electrical circuit
board structured in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Part Type Callout Footprint
Description .1uF C6 C7 603 CAP CER .1UF 16V Y5V 0603 0.27, 1% R8
603 RESISTOR .27 OHM 1/10W 1% 0603 1K R1 R7 603 RES 1.0K OHM 1/10W
5% 0603 SMD 1uF C1 603 CAP 1UF 10V CER Y5V SMD 0603 2.61K, 1% R6
603 RES 2.61K OHM 1/10W 1% 0603 SMD 2N7002 Q4 SOT-23B IC TRANS N-CH
60V 7.5OKM SOT-23 4.7uF C4 1206 CAP CER 4.7UF 10V Y5V 1206 10K R2
603 RES 10K OHM 1/10W 5% 0603 SMD 12pF C2 C3 603 CAP CER 12PF 50V
C0G 5% 0603 32.768 KHz Y1 XTAL-CFS206 CRYSTAL 32.768 KHZ CYL 12.5PF
205K, 1% RS 603 RES 205K OHM 1/10W 1% 0603 SMD 220 uH L2
BOURNES-SDR0604 Inductor Series:SDR0604; Inductance: 220 uH
ATTINY11L-2 U6 D1P8 IC AVR MCU 1K 2 MHZ LV IND 8-DIP ATTINY11L-2 U1
SOIC8 IC AVR MCU 8-BIT FLSH LOW V SO-8 BAT54 D1 SOT-23B DIODE
SCHOTTKY 30V 200MA SOT-23 FDN338P Q3 SOT-23B P-Channel Logic Level
Enhancement Mode Field Effect Transistor LM393 DUAL U8 SOIC8 IC
DUAL DIFF COMP 8-SOIC COMPARATOR MIC5205 U2 SOT23-5 IC REG LDO
150MA 3.0V 1% SOT23-5 PCB N/A N/A Printed Circuit Board
[0048] FIG. 7 depicts an illumination device having positionable
arms 24 disposed in a closed or retracted position in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. In such a position,
the arms 24 may be aligned along the length of the main body
portion 22. The depicted illumination device defines a collapsed
width CW between the arms 24 disposed in the collapsed position as
shown. In various embodiments, the illumination device may be
structured to define a collapsed width CW that is 6 inches or less.
The depicted illumination device embodiment defines a collapsed
width CW of approximately 4.37 inches. As noted above, the arms 24
are positionable by a user into an operating position as
illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the
illumination device defines an operating width OW representing the
span of the arms 24 in the operating position as shown. In various
embodiments, the illumination device may be structured to define an
operating width OW that is between 15 and 20 inches, preferably
approximately 19.5 inches. In various embodiments, the arms 24 are
structured to snap or lock into the desired operating position
using mechanical locks, hinges, and the like such that they do not
collapse into a retracted position during use. In other
embodiments, flexible gooseneck type arms may be used that readily
accept and hold a variety of positions.
[0049] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *